Going into college mean most people focusing on decorating dorm rooms, meeting new people, adjusting to their new home and balancing work, friends and everything else that may come with the “college experience!” But the one thing that may overshadow all of these other aspects is the Freshman 15. Everyone knows what this is, and everyone thinks about it at least once before going into college or during their first year. Remember while reading this that its natural to gain weight with change, but here are some tips to keep you healthy if you think you’ll need a little help along the way!
- Eat Healthy! (Or as Healthy as You Can)
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In the first semester of my freshman year, I never paid attention to what I was eating for all three meals of the day (and sometimes dessert). Pay attention to the different options in the dining hall, and see what might be best for you! Have the occasional salad, and don’t always go straight for the pizza! There are so many resources on campus that can help you eat healthy, even though some of the options may not seem that good for you. Meeting with a nutritionist, or even scrolling through ideas on Pinterest about healthy eating on a college campus can gives you a place to start!
- Exercise!
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Again, first semester of my freshman year, I think I went to the gym a total of five times. But exercise doesn’t necessarily mean going to the gym. You can take a walk around campus, or even go off campus with friends and explore the surrounding area! There are always so many ways to stay fit, you just have to be open to finding them! One suggestion that I have to help stay fit is find a workout buddy to go to the gym with! I always find that having someone else with you gives extra motivation to push yourself, or even try new things!
- Get Lots of Sleep!
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This may sound obvious, but you would be surprised at how many nights you end up being awake much later than you wanted to be – and then remembering that you still have that 8 a.m. the next morning. Getting sleep is just as important as eating right and exercising. Mental health is extremely important, and getting a good night’s rest will ensure that your brain is staying healthy too. Set a goal time to get in bed by a certain time, and try as best as you can to reach it! This will make you feel accomplished and helps you get the sleep that you really need!
- Manage Your Stress!
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College classes are not high school classes. You need to figure out early on what your study habits are, and how you need to prepare for your assignments for each class. Split things up day by day to even out the workload. That way you aren’t up until 2 a.m. cramming for that exam you’ve known about for weeks. Take breaks to see friends and get food, and maybe attend an event on campus! Most importantly, don’t stress eat!!! We all know that sometimes food seems like the best way to cope with the stress of a million assignments, but it’s not!!! Do your best to stay organized to avoid feeling more stressed than you need to!
- Try New Things!
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I know that this doesn’t seem like something that would fit right into the top five, but don’t be afraid to try new things that you may end up loving! Don’t spend all your time on the weekends laying in bed from the night before. Get up and go somewhere! Even though there may not be lots of new things to try on campus, get creative and go off campus too! Uber can be your best friend sometimes, and look out for opportunities on campus! Last year, my friends and I did a service day and not only was it something so fulfilling, but also a fun and new way to get off campus while helping yourself and others!
Lots of things change when you enter college. It’s a new world for so many people who don’t know what to expect. Sometimes weight does change, and that’s okay! Hopefully these tips will help you to stay in the shape you want to be in, and give you more ways to take care of yourself, both mentally and physically! Always remember, you are your first priority!